The Claim: "Russia Started the War in Ukraine"
Introduction
The assertion that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is a significant and contentious statement that encapsulates the complex geopolitical dynamics between Russia and Ukraine. This claim primarily refers to the military actions initiated by Russia against Ukraine, particularly the full-scale invasion that began on February 24, 2022. This article will explore the historical context, analyze the events leading up to the conflict, and provide evidence supporting the claim that Russia is the aggressor in this ongoing war.
Background
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Following its independence, Ukraine oscillated between pro-Western and pro-Russian policies. Tensions escalated dramatically in 2014 when Ukraine underwent the Euromaidan protests, leading to the ousting of the pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. In response, Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, claiming it was protecting ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in the region. This annexation was widely condemned as illegal by the international community and marked the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which included the conflict in Eastern Ukraine where Russian-backed separatists declared independence in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions [2][3].
As noted by NPR, "Since the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, many Ukrainians have turned away from Moscow and toward the West" [4]. This shift in allegiance further aggravated the situation, leading to ongoing violence in Eastern Ukraine and a protracted conflict that claimed thousands of lives.
Analysis
The claim that Russia started the war in Ukraine can be substantiated by examining the timeline of events. The most critical moment occurred on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "special military operation" aimed at "demilitarizing and denazifying" Ukraine [3][6]. This invasion marked a significant escalation in hostilities that had been simmering since 2014.
The invasion was preceded by a massive buildup of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border, which began in late 2021. Despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, including negotiations led by the United States and European allies, Russia proceeded with its military plans. The invasion was characterized by widespread attacks on civilian infrastructure and military targets across Ukraine, leading to a humanitarian crisis and international condemnation [5][6].
Evidence
Numerous sources provide evidence supporting the claim that Russia initiated the conflict. According to the Wikipedia entry on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, "On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which had started in 2014" [3]. This invasion was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of years of aggression, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine.
The U.S. Department of Defense also outlines a timeline of events, stating that "the current conflict in Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 when Russian military forces entered the country from Belarus, Russia, and Crimea" [1]. This military incursion was not only a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty but also a breach of international law, as recognized by various global entities.
Furthermore, the Britannica article on the conflict notes that the war began with "the covert invasion of the Ukrainian autonomous republic of Crimea by disguised Russian troops" in 2014, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent full-scale invasion [6]. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and a refugee crisis, with estimates of over 14,000 deaths in the years following the initial annexation [4].
Conclusion
In conclusion, the claim that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is substantiated by a wealth of historical and contemporary evidence. The conflict's origins lie in Russia's aggressive actions, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and culminating in the full-scale invasion in 2022. The international community has largely condemned these actions as violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of this conflict extend beyond Ukraine, affecting global geopolitics and security.
References
- U.S. Department of Defense. (2025). Russian War in Ukraine: Timeline. Retrieved from Defense.gov
- Wikipedia. (2023). Russo-Ukrainian War. Retrieved from Wikipedia
- Wikipedia. (2023). Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Retrieved from Wikipedia
- NPR. (2022). A timeline of Ukraine's history. Retrieved from NPR
- Commons Library. (2023). Conflict in Ukraine: A timeline (2014 - eve of 2022 invasion). Retrieved from Commons Library
- Britannica. (2023). Russia-Ukraine War | Casualties, Map, Causes, & Effects. Retrieved from Britannica
